Along Came November

November rolled in, bringing with it illness for me and Annabel. Annie is “kid sick.” You know: play play sniffle cough barf play play play. I don’t know how she does it. I was slammed with the whammy of infected sinuses, a sore throat, and a hideous cough. I’ve had to push through it to do a few things, but by Friday evening I had to admit total defeat. I canceled our weekend plans and have been crashed out in bed or on my couch, at the mercy of the germs.

November has been a hard month since Maddie died. It holds her birthday and the beginning of the holiday season. When we gather with our families her absence is felt more prominently. This November promises to be particularly hard. Jackie!’s birthday is two days after Maddie’s, and Jackie! was a girl who loved her birthday as much as I love mine. We were also supposed to be welcoming a new baby around Thanksgiving. This November is the month of Could Have, Should Have Been.

It would be easy for me to be sad, sick and pathetic under my blankets. I certainly have my moments, but Maddie’s premature birth almost five years ago taught us to appreciate what we have, when we have it. And if that didn’t drive it home, the hurricane that hit the Northeast last week certainly did a good job of it. Perspective doesn’t take away the sadness of loss, but (with time) shines a light on what remains. I have lost a lot, but I still have so much.

We also have this:

We are farther along than we were last time, although things are still technically early. I know from personal experience that there is no real “safe” point at any time in pregnancy, but I am not going to let the fear of “what if” control me this time. This is my last pregnancy, for better or for worse. I am going to enjoy it as much as I can. Even when I’m puking a dozen times a day. Even when I’m jabbing needles into my skin. Even during that terrifying moment during an ultrasound when Dr. Risky is looking for the baby’s heartbeat.

Five Novembers ago, I was in the hospital. I was scared, but I also knew that I was doing everything I could to help Maddie. I get to spend this November at home with Annie, with weekly doctor visits ensuring I’m doing everything I can for this baby. This November has extra sadness but it also has hope. Hope that what the doctors and I are doing is making a difference. Hope that when late spring rolls in, instead of illness it will bring a healthy baby.

Missy says:

So happy for hope! November 17 was our son, Sawyer’s birthday. I try not to think of the 3rd birthday party we should be planning. It is bittersweet but I too try to keep it perspective (especially during Jake and Sawyer’s birth and death dates). and hope.

I am so excited for you and Mike! Thank you for sharing your great news. I will be thinking of Maddie and Jackie! (and their families) extra this month. Sending hugs and hope!

Veronika says:

Congrats, what lovely news i wish as many happy moments as possible for you all as you make your way through birthdays and early pregnancy days, and virtual hugs for the hard stuff. I hope Annie is better soon, she is my favourite blog kid on the interwebs!

Pam L. says:

OH MY GOSH!! I’m so happy to read this (that you’re pregnant – not that you & Annie are sick – ha!)
Today is my birthday and I feel like I’ve been given a present by you announcing it on my birthday!!
Hey, you did not even look pregnant in that picture you posted from your Halloween party – you sneaky girl having a secret!!
I’m so thrilled for you, Mike and Annie. I look forward to your pregnant belly picture posts and following your journey.
Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!!!!

Cinthia says:

Jennifer says:

I have never written, but read daily. When I saw the title of this post and began reading, my heart sank. I know November is difficult and now with the loss of Jackie!, I only imagine how great the pain of this month can be. How bittersweet this news is… more sweet than bitter, of course! I couldn’t be happier for you all! Prayers and blessings and wishes and happy thoughts to all of you this month, for the strength to look past with fondness and love and the drive to look forward with hope and happiness! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family!!!

Asia says:

Congratulations many times over…I never thought I could be so happy for someone who I have never met but the internet is funny like that. Wishing you wonderful health and lots of joy in the coming weeks and months!!!!

Kayla N. says:

Literally burst in to tears with joy. Congratulations Spohr family! You have been in my thoughts and prayers for many years now and I am beyond excited to see this! I will double down on my positive vibe sending!

Tam. says:

Such exciting news, I am SO happy for you!! I lost a pregnancy last year on Oct 11th, and on Oct 14th of this year, I gave birth to my beautiful twin girls. It can and does work out after a miscarriage, and I am sending positive vibes your way that everything goes perfectly this time around. Such great news! Congrats!

Shea says:

CONGRATULATIONS!! I am truly so happy for you. This news brings tears to my eyes, I’m a long-time reader and I’ve been really hoping for this kind of news for you for awhile. I live in Jersey City and after a week of seeing such destruction and heartbreak over here, happy news like this couldn’t come at a better time. Again, congrats to you, Annie, and Mike and I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!

Caroline says:

Oh I love this post! I’ve read it at least three times. Congratulations Heather!!! I pray for you and this baby. Grow strong and thrive little one. Be heathy and strong and stay in your Momma’s belly until late spring! Love love to you all!!!!!

sherri says:

Amy says:

Oh Heather and Mike (and Annie!), congratulations! This brought tears to my eyes…I am so incredibly happy for you. I am going through a very difficult pregnancy right now and you have been such an inspiration. I am so happy for you and your family…praying for a happy healthy baby for you and me both in the spring!

sue says:

HEATHER,,,,MIKE,,,,,,,AND ANNIE,,,YES; I’M YELLING!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sooooooooooo thrilled for you. Hoping for you a perfectly healthy little one!!!!!!!!!!!!! You take it easy, and soak up the pampering from anyone that’ll give it to you.

Elizabeth says:

Randi says:

CONGRATULATIONS! Enjoy your hope. You deserve it so very much. And if I may, I would like to suggest that you do all of the corny stuff you can do while waiting for your baby. We did the gender predictor, we took pictures, and a lot of other little things so help me really enjoy my last pregnancy. We got a doppler and recorded the heartbeat. And since I don’t know if my son will be my last yet, I already cherish all of those things that make me remember how it felt to carry him right under my heart. Enjoy!

MissyK says:

Congratulations!! I’m a long time reader, but rarely a commenter. But, your news is exciting, and I know we are all simultaneously super excited for you, but also nervous and hoping for the best. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

Tammy says:

Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for a while now and have never commented. I think of you and your family often as my older son shares Maddy’s birthday (month and day) and my younger son shares Annie’s birthday (exactly). I thought of you this weekend as my son reminded me his birthday is coming up and I immediately thought of you and your sweet Madeline. I wish you nothing but, a healthy pregnancy and a beautiful baby. Sending positive thoughts your way.

Nikki says:

I’ve been thinking of you since the calendar turned to November, because I know it’s a difficult time, especially with Jackie!’s birthday so close to Maddie’s glad to know there’s hope that you and Mike can hold on to.

Looking forward to weekly updates and a new baby this Spring! I’ll be sending all the best thoughts.

Tammy says:

april says:

CONGRATS!!!!! I too had a successful pregnancy, then a miscarriage, then another successful pregnancy! I’m praying for all of you! Rest and listen to all of the doctors. everything will be fine! love and hugs from NJ! april

Janell says:

Andrea says:

Veronica says:

CONGRATS!! That sure is something to be excited about!!! Take a moment to find the joy, relish in it and then set your sights on enjoying this magical time (even though we all know that pregnancy isn’t the best thing ever)

Julie says:

Heather, Mike, Maddie and Annie — So happy for the news of your pregnancy. Will keep you all in my prayers during the difficult month of November and the holidays that follow. Sending hugs and love and prayers for the one you carry — stay in there little one, and grow strong. Annie is waiting to play with you.

Betty M says:

Erin W says:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you guys!!! Not a day will go by that you’re not in my prayers that everything goes smoothly! You deserve every single joy in life! Happy early Thanksgiving!

Aileen says:

Congratulations and many best wishes for you, this baby and your family. I can’t imagine the worry you must face but remember their are many people sending you love, light and positive thoughts. Take care of yourself.

Kellie says:

Melli says:

Erika says:

Congratulations Spohrs! I went through a high risk pregnancy last year and delivered a healthy baby girl in January. I have Factor V Leiden, a clotting disorder so was on blood thinners for the whole pregnancy and afterwards, visits to the MFM clinic, regular ultrasounds – you name it. What I’m trying to say is yes, you need to have hope that everything will work out in the end. You have a team if incredible medical professionals on your side doing everything in their power to ensure a successful outcome. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you all the best.

Tamela says:

Michelle says:

First – seeing that little picture just made my day!
Second – your perspective is beautiful to read. My brother died in November 14 years ago and my mother spends the better part of the fall wrapped up in all of the “could haves”. It makes me sad that she doesn’t look at all she has before her, including her living children and grandchildren. I mean in no way to diminish her pain, which I can’t begin to imagine, but I wish she had more of your perspective.

Anne says:

I wrote about it two weeks ago, but if you look you see I said the story happened a few months before! It was before we’d started trying again, buy my period was late – stress, I think – so I’d bought a test just to be sure…and then I didn’t end up using it for three more months!

Dawn says:

Add my voice to the chorus of well wishers. Got choked up reading your lovely news and will be thinking of you often in the months ahead. Thank you for sharing with us- I hope that you can feel all the love and support that we have for you all; our prayers and hope go with you always. Go Team Spohr!! Hooray!!

Nellie says:

I am very diarhea of the pen when it comes to writing letters or emails but I want to make this simple – love and blessings to you and the little one growing inside you. May you and your entire family and friends be surrounded by love, support, encouragement and lots of positive energy to get you through the rough days so that a bright light of “ahh, we made it another day” hugs you warmly and tightly….always!!!

i’ve been waiting, waiting for this announcement. you’ve been so glow-y in your photos. i will be praying hard that this pregnancy results in a beautiful addition to your already beautiful family. i hope this november is a good one for you. when i think about my sad stuff, i remember that this is a month to be grateful and i try to focus on the good. congratulations!!

Bridget says:

Squee!!! If I wasn’t sitting at my very public desk right now, I would be crying. My nose is doing that burning thing that happens when you try to hold back tears. I am so, so happy for you, Mike and Annie. Wishing you all the best, and sending you hugs, hope, and happiness. xxx

Tricia says:

Kallie says:

First time commentor, but have been following forever! I usually catch up on my google reade in the morning after my alarm goes off… helps wakes me up lol! Started reading this and felt sadness, then saw the pic of new baby Spohr and felt so so excited for your family! Praying for a happy, healthy pregnancy!

Deb H says:

OMG!!! I will be praying for you guys…you, Mike, Annabel, the new baby, Maddie, Jackie…. your whole gang! I don’t know if you are the praying type…but I am and I feel excitement for you. Even though I am a stranger to you and live so far far away…in the frozen tundra called MN.

Mandy G says:

Amber says:

Ahhh, congrats! When I saw the video of you doing Annie’s hair (the one with the ribbon) my first thought was, Heather’s pregnant again. But I didn’t want to be an ass and ask –and I’m certainly hoping you were now that I opened my big mouth! Congrats again!!!

Mary O says:

Susan Heck says:

I am sitting here at my computer with tears streaming down my face. I am so happy for you all! I’ve been praying for you so much, Heather! God’s divine blessings on all of you…especially sweet baby Spohr! Love and hugs from Indiana!

Debbie says:

Melissa says:

Yaaaay! Congrats!!! I have so been waiting for this. Wishing the best to you and your family. I will be thinking happy, positive thoughts. I am so happy for you guys! Annie is going to be an amazing big sister

Sarah says:

A big congrats to the Spohr family! Sending lots of prayers and positive vibes from MT…I’m currently 30 weeks along after years of trying and disappointment so I am really pulling for this baby bean of your’s!! Annie will make the best big sister ever

Libby says:

Congratulations! I’ve never commented before and I don’t know you at all, other than what you put on your blog … but the other day when you posted a picture of you and Annie? I actually thought “I wonder if she’s pregnant” … so reading this post today made me gasp … a good gasp though : ) My hope and prayers are with you during this pregnancy.

Many congratulations to you all! Thinking of you all this month. My daughter should be turning two at the end of the month but we lost her last Dec due to her heart condition. Sending thoughts and hugs and prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy!

Nancy Raine Smego says:

I am so happy for all of you! Good thoughts coming your way. Maddie will be pulling for you….and Jackie! … that’s got to count for a LOT! Love you Heather, Mike, Maddie and Annie (oh, and you too Rigby!!!!)

giselle says:

SUSAN SPARKS says:

IT IS SO AMAZING HOW WONDERFUL GOD IS….HE KNEW WHAT A DIFFICULT MONTH THIS WOULD BE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND SO HE DECIDED TO ADD A LITTLE EXCITEMENT TO IT, IN THE FORM OF A NEW FAMILY MEMBER!!!! I AM BEYOND HAPPY FOR YOU ALL, EVEN THO I HAVE NEVER MET YOU IN PERSON, I HAVE FOLLOWED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOR MANY YEARS AND FEEL AS THO WE ARE CLOSE FRIENDS. WEIRD, HUH!?! THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS IN LIFE THAT WE CAN NOT CONTROL OR PREDICT, BUT THERE ARE JUST AS MANY THINGS THAT WE CAN EMBRACE AND ENJOY TO OUR HEARTS CONTENT AND THIS NEW BABY IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY! I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY WITH YOU AND CAN’T WAIT UNTIL WE GET TO SEE THAT FIRST PICTURE OF YOUR NEW LITTLE ONE IN 2013! GOD IS GOOD, TRUST IN HIM TO SEE YOU THROUGH THESE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW BUNDLE WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, HEALTHY AND STRONG, JUST LIKE HIS MAMA!!! SENDING LOTS OF LOVE YOUR WAY…………..

karen says:

Rachel says:

Wishing you lots of luck! My Lovenox baby is 6 months old, thanks to you and Maddie. After a complicated pregnancy with my first daughter, I had a clotting panel done (on my own after my doctor blew off all of the complications). Turns out, I have a clotting disorder. I really appreciate you sharing yourself and family with the world. I never would have second guessed my doctor if I hadn’t read your site. I’ll definitely be thinking of you for the next 9 months and hoping everything goes really well.

Tiffani W. says:

Congratulations! I’m sure this is the most bittersweet November for you but I want you to know that I am sending out every single positive thought I can muster that your pregnancy is happy and healthy. You all deserve every ounce of happiness!

Amy says:

Hooray! Wonderful news! I’m a longtime follower and a seldom commenter. I am also a super high-risk, former preemie mom, blood-thinner injecting Mama too and this is my last pregnancy as well so I’m hoping for a positive outcome. I’ll be praying for you and hoping everything goes well for you. I know the fear will always be there, every step of the way, but I hope that this pregnancy results in a healthy baby and healthy mama to make it all worth it in the end!! I’m so glad you are back with Dr. Risky and I look forward to following along in your journey.
Big hugs!!

Brooke says:

Nicole says:

also a looong time reader, hardly ever commenter………
but i had to come out from lurking today to say congratulations!
it’s weird to be so truly happy for people i don’t even “know”.
wishing you all the best.

Dee says:

Yipppeeee! It’s nice to have a happy thought to help you cope with all the sad thoughts.
Just an idea, and you may not be up for it, but have you ever thought of celebrating birthdays for those who have gone on? Annie will love the idea of another party, it will help you think of happier thoughts and remember birthdays past for both Maddie and Jackie! We have done something similar, anniversaries, etc and it helps to take what is a poignant day and making it happier.

Will keep you, Mike, Annie and the little bean in our thoughts and prayers!

Toni Joy says:

Lisa says:

Ooooohh! So excited for you all!! HOPE is sometimes all we have. And man am I HOPING!! Thank you for sharing so early. I kinda felt like you were preggo. Isn’t that odd? I knew it the last time too. And I don’t even know you. But yet I do. Weird, “stranger friends” as Matt would say! But really, I know more about you than my friends. Very cool in such an odd way. Anywho, I am over the top happy for you all. And this one will be a boy, HA! How do you like that prediction? I’m sure Mike does…. This reminds me of waiting to hear about Annie, exciting. Congrats!

Susan says:

Meghan says:

I am so, so happy for you both – I’ve been reading the blog for years and I just feel like you guys need some wonderful in your life these days! November is a tough month and hopefully this will make things easier for you. Sending lots of good thoughts your way for a healthy happy pregnancy!!

Shiree says:

For my family our month was October. But for all of the bad stuff that happened, the month was turned around when our first son was born on the 14th (premature but now a healthy/happy 5 year old) and our second son on the 7th (he just turned 1).

Jenna says:

Wishing you much peace this November (although is that even possible after losing a child, to be completely at peace? I think not…but still wishing it for you). And wishing you healthy baby vibes for this sweet one!

Katie says:

Ciara says:

I am so happy for you! you have a really good attitude to this love your pregnancy now and hopefully continue to keep loving it and loving on a baby. Lots of hugs kisses and luck to you, Mike, gorgeous Maddie (who i’m sure will love being a big sister again from heaven), Annie and baby. xxxx

Gwen says:

Oh, I am so happy for you. I know that there are no guarantees, there never are. But this is good news, and for now I am happy for you, with you. It will be a hard month, I’m sure…grief, love, thanksgiving, hope and fear…life, in a nutshell. But oh, that hope!!

Carol Fisher says:

Praying that PEACE and JOY fill your home and your family during this difficult month. And I’ll be praying for you and your unborn baby and your doctors and your family and for everyone who loves you as we all embrace HOPE through Late Spring and beyond. I’m giddy with anticipation on your behalf. xoxoxo

Kristen says:

I never know what to say, I’m not good with words. A huge warming glow flowed over my body as I was ready this. I am so happy for you all. Very big hugs..with the hugest grin on my face and tears in my eyes!!!

Lisa says:

Jacky says:

I am soo sooo happy for you!! Mazel Tov!! I am so glad you were able to get pregnant again so quickly and I am praying that this baby sticks around inside until full term. I thought the picture was going to be of Annie when you said and we have this……!!!!!

Karen says:

Oh, congratulations! I hope hope hope you have just the smoothest pregnancy imaginable, I am just thrilled to see this.

I had a miscarriage in May, right around when you did, although I wasn’t quite as far along. We’re still hoping to get pregnant again, I’ll admit that my heart leaped, thinking maybe this was a sign that this would be my month. But no matter what, I am SO happy for you and your lovely family.

Julie says:

Aw, that is such fantastic news. I am putting tons of prayers and good thoughts out there for you….

And BTW, I love how you always put the exclamation point at the end of Jackie!’s name. I swear I almost do jazz hands when I read it. It just conveys what I assume must have been her big and bright and wonderful personality to those who weren’t lucky enough to know her.

I think in light of this amazingly good news, and to honor one of the angels looking over you, you should now refer to that little miracle in your belly as “Baby!”

Andrea says:

meg says:

Congratulations and best wishes to you!!! I am currently struggling with infertility myself, but my husband and I recently decided to take a bit of a break. As you and Mike know, the constant medical stress can make you so unhappy and so stressed. Anyways, this is about you, not me, so I cannot wait for Annie to get her baby sibling, you guys are great parents! So, I will send all my good luck baby wishes to you!
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN!!

Lisa says:

If it’s possible to cry and shout yippee at the same time, I think I may have just managed that!!! Seriously girl, I hope besides the shots for the clotting disorder they can give you something for the puking. Ugh. I hope that the nausea only lasts for a couple of weeks and goes away and doesn’t linger. Congratulations-I know that you have your collection of angels looking down on all of you!!!!

AngieM. says:

Skye says:

Oh my gosh! So excited for you guys! I hope Annie gives you hope since your pregnancy with her was successful. It can happen again! I am hoping along with you guys for a healthy, full-term pregnancy and a sweet spring baby. Best wishes and I will be thinking of you, especially during this bittersweet month.

Jessie says:

Thank you for sharing with us! I couldn’t be happier for you, and think you are so smart to reach for hope when fear is easily at hand. I’ll try to follow your example when if I’m lucky enough to get pregnant again.

Lindsey Reese says:

C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S!!!!! I have been hoping against hope that we would hear pregnancy news from you soon!! So very happy for you all! Glad you have some happiness to help you cope with a very tough month. I remember when I was first pregnant and I would be having a tough day at work and start to get down and then I would think “BUT I”M PREGNANT!!!! NOTHING CAN GET ME DOWN!!! ” I hope the little guy/girl growing inside helps you have hope, strength and joy!!! So happy for Miss Annie!! and mommy and daddy and Rigby and everyone else in your wonderful family!!! Heather, I get the feeling you are not a pray-er, but I am going to pray for you and this pregnancy!! So, so excited!! Can’t wait til I can tell my sister – she will be so thrilled, too — we talk about your family as if it is our extended family!!! Love and kisses and a virtual pat on the belly from Atlanta, Ga!!

Casey says:

Charlene says:

Congrats! Congrats! I was so excited to scroll down and see the ultrasound picture, beautiful! I have coffee with your blog every morning and feel as though I am having coffee with a girlfriend – maybe that is creepy, I hope not. I have been following your blog for years and have celebrated and cried with you & for you along the way.
I will be praying that you have a healthy and uneventful pregnancy. No one deserves this more than you & Mike!!

Kayla says:

Oh, oh, oh, congratulations times a billion Heather and family! I have tears in my eyes and a warm joy in my heart. All my love for the health and safety of this precious baby, and a heartfelt congratulations to the big sisters to be!

Nadinsche says:

Leslie Gibson says:

I am going to cross my fingers, toes, and everything in between for you guys. I REALLY REALLY hope that everything continues to go well, and cannot wait to see pictures come late spring. Oh, and all the times in between as well. I am sorry this is such a sad month for you, I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that Annie continues to bring joy.

RockyMtnMom says:

Just wanted to say congratulations to you ALL on your pregnancy, Heather. Wishing you well and thinking of you all during this very difficult month. I so agree that just enjoying the pregnancy “in the moment” is the absolute best thing to do. After two healthy pregnancies, then two losses, the second of which I was so guarded I didn’t quite fully share, I really regretted worrying so much. It’s not healthy, but it’s hard not to do. My last pregnancy, I made a decision to embrace fully each day (like you, puking and ALL!). Well, we had a wonderful baby boy almost two years ago and he reminds me every day of the blessing of LIFE. Love to you all.

Kyla says:

Maggie says:

Congratulations!! Many, many prayers coming your way that this pregnancy goes all the way, and that you guys finally get the sibling for Annie & Maddie that has been so long in the making. If anyone deserves this good news, and a LONG, healthy pregnancy, it’s you.

Maggie says:

Although I do not know you in real life and you don’t know me in any respect, for the last 4 years (since I started reading), you have been in my thoughts as regularly as some of my closest family and friends. Now especially, my heart is with you during this month as you face the plethora of mixed emotions.

Yay!!!! I am so glad I checked you site today. Sometimes it makes my computer get all stupid and Ihave to shut it down but I took the chance and am so happy I did. Congrats, Hope springs eternal and prayers for all of you! Hope you all feel better.

Jeanie says:

Tara says:

I know you get about a million comments and you may not see this, but I want to tell you that I had a miscarriage shortly before you did. My son is almost exactly Annie’s age. And now we are pregnant again too (with twins!). It’s a blessing to share the joys of this journey with you too. When are you due?

Lindsey says:

aqua6 says:

So happy to hear your news! Our first was very premature and her delivery was nothing I could control, so it made it very hard to be pregnant again, from my anxiety about how it might turn out. Grateful now to have a healthy son but it wasn’t as glorious as others’ pregnancies. It will all be worth it!

marilyn says:

So happy for you all and will keep postive thoughts coming. I am simply a lurker but I love this blog more than any other. Both you and Mike are such good writers and your photos and recipes are awesome. Keep in mind I have never tried any of said recipes , but someday I will! I hope the morning sickness subsides and each week news is good. It is scary after a miscarriage ( been there ) but you have an awesome attitude and I will be hoping for all to go right.. you all deserve it!

Incredible news – just wonderful, many congratulations (and fingers crossed for a “sticky” bean, as they say on TTC forums). Given that you have announced this to the world on 5th November, I do hope that if it’s a boy, he will be called “Guy”!! ;o) x

mary ann says:

I finally got power back after 7 days of living in the dark with no water, tv, phone, or internet…and the first thing I did after showering was click on your blog – what wonderful news! Congratulations, I am soooooooo happy for you!

Ashley Hast says:

Jess says:

Kim says:

Thank you for sharing your experiences with such raw and beautiful honesty. Because of your choice to share your struggles and joys with us, I found the strength to continue on after losing a very wanted pregnancy earlier this year. I am now pregnant again and reading about your life with its ongoing wonderfulness and sadness has helped me choose hope when my anxiety has me convinced of another terrible outcome. Thank you for allowing us into your lives. It was never your responsibility to help others, but I hope you know you have. I wish you nothing but the very, very best.

michele wallace says:

So excited for you guys – This post made me smile. Sorry November is such a hard month for you, you guys have been through hell & back. Like you said you have lots to look forward to. I pray for a healthy pregnancy for you and love reading your updates and blog daily.

Stephanie A. says:

Not one to comment often (even though I read EVERY day!); but I had to this time.

1) Hope everybody feels better ASAP and gets plenty fo rest.

2) Hugs to you all through the sadness that comes with this November.

3) CongratuFREAKINlations. I actually teared up! I’ve been hoping hoping hoping to see this every day for the last month or so. So ecstatic for your and your family and I am putting all my good juju into hoping that everything goes perfect and smoothly. I know I don’t “know you” but I’ve come to seriously love you guys over the many years I’ve been reading, and I am STOKED that the Sphors are multiplying again!

Elaine says:

Congratulations Heather, Mike and Annie! That new baby is so lucky to have such a loving family ready and waiting for him or her to arrive. I think that I can speak for all of us readers when I say that we all hope you have a safe and easy pregnancy, full of hope, peace and love. Your online family can’t wait to meet your new bundle of joy! xx

jessi says:

Would you believe that hearing such welcome, anticipated, happy news could completely make the day – nay, the week! – of a stranger-friend who faithfully reads your blog? Too rare are the times when you’re given a piece of information that makes you smile ear to ear, your heart leaps a little, and you feel nothing but 110% pure excitement. And you think, “Good job, universe/karma/fate/whathaveyou…you got it right this time!”

Sarah says:

That is one the most beautiful pictures ever!!!! Thank you for sharing with us!!!!
I was thinking about you and this month and how hard it typically is…so to see that picture took my breath away & I held it as I read & then I cried!
Hope does spring eternal! Will be hoping & praying that all goes well with this special little one! You & Mike have a world of well-wishers!!!
I can’t wait to see Princess Annabel as a big sister!
(And as others have said~I have no doubt that big sister Maddie & Auntie Jackie! are cheering you on from heaven.)
Sending your family love!

Andrea says:

Congratulations!! It is hard to keep your faith going when there has been a miscarriage, but so many of us have been through it successfully and made it to the other side. What a little miracle to be able to create another little person. Congratulations again!!

cristen says:

I am so very happy for you all! Congrats! I just wanted to share that even though we have never met I have been reading your blog for years. My son will turn 1 on the 11th (11-11-11) and want you to know I will also be thinking about Maddie on that day too.

mary says:

Heather, I start most days by making a cup of tea and checking in on your family, and I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to know when something goes well for you. I am so, so pleased and hopeful for another gorgeous Spohr baby. I’m wishing you all the best and hoping our collective positive vibes help see you through.

Missy says:

Congrats on your wonderful news! I’m so excited and happy for you guys! I can relate a little bit to your anxiety too. I’m almost 14 weeks pregnant with our third child, and have previously had both a good and bad pregnancies. I was so anxious at that first ultrasound to see that little heartbeat. And again at my 12 week appointment, it took a little bit to find the heartbeat, which had me a nervous wreck. I can’t figure out yet which way this pregnancy is giong to go, but praying for good results. I have a consult with the high risk OB next week. fingers crossed! In the meantime, I am keeping you and baby in my thoughts and praying for a happy, healthy, baby for you.

Kitty says:

Longtime lurker, infrequent commenter – but oh, this news makes me so happy!!! Very, very best wishes for a boring, uneventful pregnancy You make such beautiful children. Forgive my bias for thinking blue – as the mom of two boys, I do love when my favorite bloggers join the team.

Melanie I says:

Did you know that your picture of a tiny little life brewing inside you would make the whole world smile? I am sending you loving energy for this little baby to be a “sticky bun”. I’ve been there, I know your anxiety and I am equally joyful for you!

Chrissy says:

After many miscarriages and still no baby, I can relate to your cautious optimism. You’re absolutely right, enjoy every single day of this pregnancy, no matter the outcome. Congratulations and I’m sending all the good thoughts and positive energy to your expanding family!

Virginia L says:

I am so happy for you! I knew this was coming, and still, I was so excited and surprised when I saw the ultrasound. I will pray for you and this new one. Annie is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen,(after my own children)and I so enjoy reading about her antics. We have never met and probably never will yet I very much enjoy reading about your family. Take care of yourself!

Missy says:

You’re a better person than I Heather, I’d have more than a few choice words for this nasty lady! Glad you can not let it get to you There are so, SO many people who are so thrilled for you and your family and praying for all the best for all of you! ((HUGS))

Monica says:

I am so excited for you guys. I have been reading your blog since you were pregnant with Annie, I can’t think of a better family that deserves this amazing news! Here’s to a healthy pregnancy and hopefully it’s as easy as it can be!